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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+7
Dogs
# The Greenland Dog: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Greenland
A powerful polar Spitz, hardy and independent, born for work in arctic climates.
Size LargeLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €65/monthPuppy €900 – €1,100
[Find a breeder 6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-greenland-dog) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=greenland-dog)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Limited
First-time owners Limited
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Limited
Strengths and weaknesses
- Exceptional endurance: Its selection for pulling allows it to sustain prolonged efforts in the cold.
- Great hardiness: Its solid build and double coat are suited to arctic conditions.
- Human sociability: It is generally friendly with people, including strangers.
- Demanding training: Its independence and low docility require solid canine experience.
- Very high physical needs: It must run, work and exert itself intensely every day.
- Poor tolerance to heat: Its thick arctic coat makes it vulnerable to high temperatures.
- Heavy shedding: Hair loss becomes abundant during seasonal shedding.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active and experienced owner: He needs an available, consistent handler who is used to independent dogs.
- Enthusiast of pulling sports: Canicross, sledding and endurance activities match his natural abilities.
- Spacious living environment in a cold climate: A large secure plot of land and cool temperatures promote his balance.
Not recommended for
- Beginner owner: Its power, independence and difficult training can quickly overwhelm a novice.
- Apartment living: The lack of space and activity is incompatible with its fundamental needs.
- Sedentary person: Moderate daily activity is not enough to satisfy this working dog.
- Very hot region: It has difficulty tolerating heat and requires significant summer precautions.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
58 cmGreenland Dog
- Height at the withers
- 50–65 cm
- Weight
- 30–38 kg
- Coat
- Long, straight, harsh and dense, with undercoat
- FCI group
- 5
- Origin
- Greenland
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Greenland Dog in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Greenland Dog is among the oldest canine breeds, with origins estimated at four or five millennia. Traditionally bred by the Inuit for pulling sleds and for life in the Arctic, it was also used by the first Vikings arriving in Greenland. Its strength, determination, confidence and endurance have shaped a hardy working breed. Also called Groënlandais, Greenland Eskimo Dog, Inuit Dog or Greenland Dog, it bears FCI number 274, belongs to group 5 of Spitz-type and primitive-type dogs and has been recognized by the FCI since 1967. It remains very rare in France today.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
Large, vigorous polar Spitz, the Greenland Dog has a robust and compact body, slightly longer than tall, a straight back, a broad loin and a well let-down chest. Its long head has a broad, slightly domed skull and a pronounced stop without being abrupt. Its small triangular ears are erect, its dark, slanting eyes express determination, and its thick, bushy tail is carried in an arc or slightly curled over the back. Its outer coat is straight, harsh, never curly or wavy, shorter on the head and limbs, longer and denser on the body, with a soft, dense undercoat. All solid or combined colours are permitted, with the exception of albinism and merle markings.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Energetic, bold and mentally strong, the Greenland Dog is above all an enthusiastic and enduring sled dog. Generally friendly towards humans, including strangers, it is not very inclined to guarding. Very independent, it retains a pronounced hunting instinct and can be competitive with its fellow dogs. Its attachment exists without taking the form of constant dependence, and its balance relies on sustained physical and mental activity.
Playful
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, this dog needs to run, to pull and to work regularly. It quickly gets bored when its needs are not met and is not suited to a sedentary life. It prefers a large, secure outdoor space and a cold climate. Relationships with children and other animals must be supervised, notably because of its power, its independence and its predatory instinct.
Training
## Training and socialization
Its training is demanding due to its independence and its low propensity for repetitive obedience. Socialization must begin very early and include humans, other dogs, handling and varied environments. A constant, fair and consistent framework, based on motivation and short sessions, suits better than constraint. Its handler must respect its nature as a working dog and offer it suitable activities, in particular pulling and endurance sports.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Greenland Dog
The price depends on the rarity of the breed in France, the quality of the selection, the pedigree, health screenings and the working abilities of the bloodlines.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/greenland-dog/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
A particularly robust and resilient primitive breed, the Greenland Dog does not present any reported specific congenital predisposition. Its selection for work in an arctic environment gives it excellent resistance to cold. Vigilance nevertheless remains recommended for the joints and the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. The breed is not considered hypoallergenic.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/greenland-dog/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The diet must be rich in quality proteins and adapted to age, size, body condition and above all activity level. The needs of a working sled dog are clearly higher than those of an animal at rest.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/greenland-dog/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Chien du Groenland is also known under the names Groënlandais, Greenland Eskimo Dog, Inuit Dog and Greenland Dog. Its FCI standard bears the number 274. The breed, recognized by the FCI since 1967, is also recognized by the UKC, the CKC and the British Kennel Club. A litter generally has 4 to 6 puppies.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Greenland Dog
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Greenland Dog live in an apartment?
No, it is very poorly suited to apartment living. It needs space, plenty of outdoor exercise and regular working activities.
### Is the Greenland Dog suitable for a first-time owner?
It is not recommended for beginners due to its independence, power, very high activity needs and demanding training.
### Does the Greenland Dog tolerate heat?
It tolerates cold very well but tolerates heat poorly. Effort must be greatly limited in hot weather and done during the coolest hours.
### How many puppies are in a Greenland Dog litter?
A litter generally has between 4 and 6 puppies.
## Find a Greenland Dog breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Greenland Dog breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Greenland Dog breeders by country
[6 breeders of Greenland Dog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-greenland-dog) [1 breeder of Greenland Dog in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-greenland-dog/denmark) [1 breeder of Greenland Dog in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-greenland-dog/germany)
[All breeders of Greenland Dog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-greenland-dog)
## Ready to welcome a Greenland Dog?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-greenland-dog)
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